The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-03-12


"I think shall be able TO continue
on my pilgrimage tomorrow. In truth,
I mast. You see this Is not a pleasure
jaunt of mine, altogether. I am afraid
I shall lose sight OF that fact if l linger
longer in this land of the sky. Then 1
shall be such great while getting
home again." ..s.o- s ...s
What could he say? Stay? He had
already employed hospitality to the
limit. Go? Never to see her again,
in all likelihood? He felt as if to
breathe were an effort. He could 6nd
no reply to make to her friendly words.
Just then, it was strange happen
ing, some one across the hall began 10
sing, to u plsintive minor accompani
ment. 1t was girls voice, tender and
exquisitely trained.
.'It was only word that you might have
said,
Or a look, o love, would have told me then:
But you did not know, you were proud
I looked and hoped for your coming again.
But you went your way, and you never
knew
How the sunlight was darkened my whole
life through"
Well, he was very young and impet-
uous, and sometimes one is hardly
responsible for these things. With a
sudden sweeping and uncomfortable
eloquence-which was enough to settle
forever any doubts of his talent-he
laid his heart at her feet. It was done
In manly, straightforward, and gen.
tie way. -ss-..sfs G- -teI1a...s a.s
ST have no reason TO hope anything.
But could not lot you go away with
out speaking, even at the risk of losing
your friendship. just could not help
it," N1
Stephanie was completely carried off
her feet by this eloquent and abject
declaration. 1t was quite startling and
unexpected.
He saw her bewilderment, and has
tened, as II he would ward off a blow,
to add:
"Please do not answer me at all,
now. I am afraid am too much of a
coward TO meet what my rashness
merits. shall only ask one thing OF
you, and that Is to let me write to you.
You will not refuse me this ?''
eft you think you can keep up with
me-" Stephanie found her voice to an.
swer. But it was timid and much
abashed voice. "But you will be pretty
cure to lose me, on my route. often
miss my letters"
She rose, and stood with her eyes
fastened wistfully on the door, with a
great desire to escape through it.
The young man looked thankful for
the crumb thrown him.
~ will take care of that" he said
softly and joyousIy. 81 will not close
you,' for long, not If I have to turn
Heaven and earth in seeking you."
Before Stephanic could divine his
intention, he caught and carried her
hand to his lips, with passionate fervor.
X X
Next morning Stephanie was already
at the depot, when he entered the wait
ing room considerably out of breatl,
from walking fast.
eff I had missed you :" he said, as
she held out her haud to him in greet.
ing, looking more than ever like g
meek little saint. She hardly dared tc
lift her eyes to his.
81 was just in the midst OF a case al
the court house. I was forced to tel
the judge small fib in order to ge
away. said had forgotten some
important papers. Forgive me, but i
was last resort. And here am. Tn,
important papers, 1 have forgotten
are your route list. Will you let IN,
see it ?''
Stephanie handed it to him gra
ciously, and he made some hasty note
from its pages.
"I have been living in a sevent
Heaven for the last four days." he ra
on in a low, eager tone, Oblivion
of the curious and smiling face
, about them. "This coming back I
earth is not easy. If 1 could only hop
that should not have long to wait fc